1 [with object] take hold of suddenly and forcibly:she jumped up and seized his arm he seized hold of the door handle take forcible possession of:army rebels seized an air force base the current President seized power in a coup (of the police or another authority) take possession of (something) by warrant or legal right:police have seized 726 lb of cocaine
2take (an opportunity) eagerly and decisively:he seized his chance to attack as Carr hesitated
3(of a feeling or pain) affect (someone) suddenly or acutely:he was seized by the most dreadful fear
4strongly appeal to or attract (the imagination or attention):the story of the king’s escape seized the public imagination formal understand (something) quickly or clearly:he always strains to seize the most sombre truths (
be seized of)
be aware or informed of:the judge was fully seized of the point
5 [no object] (of a machine with moving parts) become jammed:the engine seized up after only three weeks
6 (also seise) (
be seized of)
English Law be in legal possession of:the court is currently seized of custody applications historical have or receive freehold possession of (property):any person who is seized of land has a protected interest in that land